It is
with great pleasure that the Museum of Family History presents to
you a feature that represents the very best in Yiddish poetry.

It is
hoped that, given the proper attention by you, the reader (and
listener), will more greatly appreciate the fruit of the creative
and imaginative Jewish mind; that the sounds and overall
beauty of the Yiddish language will be impactful and meaningful to
you.

Imagine that within this virtual (Internet only) museum of Jewish
family history, there is a Yiddish bookstore (located next to an
adjoining, small cafe) where poetry is recited during some day or
evening on a periodic basis to a small , attentive crowd of forty or
so museum visitors. The poet, or someone representing the poet's
works, stands before you and recites a poem in Yiddish. He or she
then recites it once again in English, for those attendees who don't
speak Yiddish, in the hopes that all will gain insight or some
understanding about the work and perhaps the life of the artist.

After
the reading, a discussion ensues. What does the poet wish to say?
What events might have occurred in the poet's life or in the society
or time in which he lived, that may have influenced his sentiments?
Perhaps too, the one who recites the poem will hand out a piece of
paper containing the written Yiddish, the transliteration, and the
English version, to each one who attends the reading. Each person is
encouraged to read the poem to themselves in the privacy of their
own home, to themselves or aloud, to further appreciate the poet's
work.

Here
at least, in this virtual world of the Internet, one can at least
this to some extent. Below you will see two Yiddish poets
featured. One recites his own poetry, the other recited by one who
is an admirer of the poem. Hear the poems spoken by clicking
on the appropriate links. Read more about the poets themselves by
clicking on the link indicated.

It is
the hope of this Museum that this interaction will bolster your love
of Yiddish, and will further your interest in the Yiddish language
and culture. The Yiddish language is alive and well and only awaits
your attention and appreciation. If you have any questions, please
contact the Museum of Family History at
yiddishvinkl@museumoffamilyhistory.com
.